Friday 27 May 2016 07:07, UK
Danny Willett was left encouraged by a strong start to the week on home soil as he made an early move at the BMW PGA Championship.
The Masters champion carded a bogey-free 66 to sit one off the pace at Wentworth, trailing Scott Hend, former champion Y.E Yang and Joost Luiten.
Willett, who was in contention at last week's Irish Open before struggling over the weekend, followed three birdies on the front nine with three more after the turn to become the only player to sign a blemish-free card.
This week is Willett's first appearance in England since last month's victory at Augusta and the world No 9, whose best finish at Wentworth saw him fifth on his debut in 2010, admits enjoying his home return.
"Stats-wise, we probably didn't hit loads of fairways but were never in too much trouble," Willett added. "Hit some great mid to short irons and rolled a few putts in.
"It's always nice when you come off bogey-free. It means you've played some real good golf and you've not given any stupid shots away to the golf course.
"I played the par-fives particularly average in fairness, after relatively good drives on most of them. It could have been a really good day, but it's a good, solid start to the week."
Playing alongside Victor Dubuisson and Soomin Lee, Willett made a bright start with a birdie-two at the second.
Being followed by large crowd, the Englishman added gains at the sixth and eighth and saw another birdie chance at the ninth lip out to reach the turn in 32.
The world No 9 picked up a shot at the 10th and rolled in a 10-footer at the 14th to get to five under, before getting up-and-down to leave a close-range gain at the par-five 17th.
Needing another birdie at the last to join the leading group, Willett elected to lay up for par to stay one adrift of the early pacesetters.
"Last week in Ireland was fantastic, but there was a little bit more support out there being a home boy in England," Willett added. "They don't have to be here and they don't have to come out supporting, but they do.
"The greens are in a little better than I think they were last year and the last couple years, and I think everyone would agree with that. Hopefully if it stays like this, so we'll get a nice, easy full-flowing week.
"We've played pretty solid over the last few years and were up there in contention a few years back with Luke Donald in the last round.
"This is a place I enjoy. I enjoy the golf course and I enjoy the challenge of it. You just hope for four good days of weather and keep the crowds coming in, and then you never know."
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